Greening in Stilettos

A good morning hike!

2012-01-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

Hiking has become one of my favourite things to do! A great form of excercise and also a really good way to meet people from all walks of life (pun intended:). Great for the body, mind and soul. I recommend joining a hiking club. If you're in the Cape Town area there's a great hiking group called Tuesday's Child started by my friend Michelle. The main hikes are (you guessed it) every tuesday bright and early in the morning.

Start your day off on a high!..;)

Here are a few pics from the last hike at Celia Forest...

Eco-fashion 101

2011-04-05T04:45:00.000-07:00

Top Eco-fashion trends this season…

One word… Refashion!

So you’re de-cluttering your wardrobe that’s bursting at the seams. You’ve ended up with a “keeper” pile, a “give-away” pile and a “never going to wear but too good to give away” pile. Well this eco-tip is just for you…

Eco-tip 1: Stop hoarding and refashion!

Give your beautiful old clothes new life and recycle them at a local vintage store. You may in turn find some new gems.

Try Re-wardrobe, a trendy vintage store that sell a variety of second hand clothing and accessories. Visit them at 89 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town.

Fashion Exchange offers events in which lightly worn or new unwanted accessories and clothes are resold. These social events are private and fun as well as a great way to start creating a new wardrobe. For more information call 082 482 2952 or e-mail info@fashex.co.za

Try Stock Exchange for high end fashion at discounted prices.

Contact the store on 021 424 5971 or visit them at 116 Kloof Street, Cape Town.

Online shopping

Online shopping has become the way to shop- it's super easy, convenient and most importantly, it’s an eco-friendly way to shop.

Here are some great online shopping stores…

36boutique an online portal showcasing SA design. You can also find international labels and discount prices.

I love this one… Shop-label.com for the latest trends with designer labels from across the globe. For more info email hello@shop-label.com or call 021 434 5431

Designerbags.co.za is a one stop virtual shop for 100 percent authentic designer bags from around the world that can be hired for a special function. Call 011 888 9156.

Brands that give back

Fashion retailers are also doing their bit for the environment by creating shopper incentives to recycle their packaging in innovative ways.

MAC cosmetics have a ‘Back to MAC program’ that assists in their product recycling. Customers bring back the packaging containers of their finished make up products. Customers can collect a total of six products and return them to a MAC store or MAC online. Once returned them you collect a free MAC lipstick of your choice as a thank you for your support.

Aldo has gone green by recycling their shoe boxes from eco friendly materials. The boxes also have handles on them to stop the need for a packet.

These are a few of my favourite things

2011-02-26T04:40:00.000-08:00

When in Cape Town- wine taste! I've found some hidden gems this week...

La Petitie Ferme, a wine farm in Franschoek just outside of Cape Town near Stellenbosch was my hidden delight. I caught up with a friend from London where we decided to ditch the conventional 'meet you for coffee at the mall' and instead, venture out into the magestic winelands of the Cape. Forty five minutes later we found ourselves sitting on the grass of this idyllic old french winefarm, with a bottle of La Petite Ferme Shiraz, a cheese platter for two and a view overlooking Franschoek at its best. A picture-perfect, relaxed setting, with good handcrafted wines- well priced and a good range. Totally worth the drive out. I couldn't have thought of a better way to show off Cape Town to this Londoner:)

Franschhoek has some really great restaurants. Try Huguenot street for a trendy hotspot. My favourites are The Common Room, Reuben's and The Grill Room

Next up was French Toast, wine and tapas bar on Bree street, with a wine tasting evening hosted by Eat out magazine and Monis. This once old city warehouse has been transformed into a sophisticated venue specializing in local and overseas wines. Think 1950's Paris vibes.

Monis held a tasting of their port wines. I've never been a fan of port, but after the wine tasting I've taken quite a liking to it. My favourite is the Mascadel 1991, with a good old malva pudding dessert of course:) A great evening spent with friends, in a loungy atmosphere of easy elegance. Needless to say, we "toasted to the good things in life".

To Cape winefarms and bars that boast world-class sophistication, and to fresh local neighbourhood restaurants that ooze simplicity- These are just a few of my favourite things.

Visit Eatout for SA's 1000 best places to eat

Well Done to Bokang Montjane, our new Miss South Africa 2010!

2010-12-15T08:23:00.000-08:00

Having been one of the 12 finalists for Miss South Africa, I walk away from the experience enriched, having met inspiring people and made lasting friendships. Its a journey that I am truly grateful for and will never forget.

Congratulations Bokang! Your an amazing young woman, and I have no doubt that you will do amazing work with the title and make SA proud.

Athlone power station soon to be a wind farm

2010-10-07T04:23:00.000-07:00

Been wondering what will take the place of the cooling towers at the Athlone power station?

South Africa's leading power station has announced that in conjunction with the City of Cape Town, it will convert the power station into a wind farm filled with eight new 1.5MW wind turbines.

The implosion of the old power station is supposedly symbolic of Eskom's commitment to clean energy and plans to convert all existing coal fired power stations into renewable energy sources by 2016- we love that idea.

62nd Emmy Awards stiletto-size their carbon footprint!

2010-08-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

We love award ceremonies.....it starts with the prediction of the gowns....

then The Glitz, The Glamour, the opportunity to network with people who are the best at their craft.

But when an Award Ceremony 'Goes Green', that’s a great reason to celebrate and add a 7 inch Christian Louboutin stiletto to your collection!

Tonight LA will host the Greenest Emmy Awards ever. Engineers have been hard at work ensuring that green policy and principles are adhered to every step of the way.

The set and all of the live production is structured to use recyclable and green materials
Energy efficient light bulbs with light switches that automatically turn off when not in use and green fuel are the order of the day
Celebrities will be transported to the event in ‘green’ vehicles
The crew are using refillable water bottles
Maintenance staff are using non-toxic and non-aerosol cleaning products
Caterers are preparing free range, home grown, organic cuisine cooked on low emission cooking grills
Hair and makeup artists are equipped with cruelty-free and organic products
The office functions with dry-erase calendars, water bottles in place of the usual plastic bottle, documents are disseminated digitally whenever possible, failing which double sided recycled paper is used.

Great care is being taken to Re-duce, Re-use and Re-cycle at the event… culminating to our favourite “Re”- ie Re-spect..

....Re-spect our environment!

GOING THE GREEN MILE

2010-07-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

Celebs who STEP IT UP Eco Style

I know it's been a while so I thought I'd make up for it by indulging in every green queens fashion craze, SHOES…A fetish that most of us share (an obsession really) and one we’re proud of.
Stylists make their trends attainable, but eco-nistas go the green mile by making fashion sustainable! Stiletto-sizing her carbon footprint (literally) is our favourite glam Eco Celeb, the beautiful Natalie Portman, who has come out with her very own range of Vegan footwear.
Get out your walking papers Eco Nistas, its time to Green in Stilettos.

Voted top notch Eco Celeb of the century, next to Leo, Natalie has battled it out in Rwanda saving Gorillas. Become the face of a low-energy saving light bulb campaign, while creating her very own Vegan footwear range. With those green credentials, we’ll walk a mile in your green shoes!
Natalie’s shoe collection doesn’t fall short of class; it's classical and timeless with a simple appeal. Nice!

But the plot gets greener!

All proceeds from the shoes are to benefit the Nature Conservancy. Support a cause Green Queens, and order online at tecasan.com.

Standing ovation to you Natalie, but we’re pretty sure you take it all in your stride...

..........and in STILETTOS of course!

"Green my ride"

2010-05-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

Not your typical hybrid is it? The recently unveiled new plug-in electric hybrid Porsche takes the concept of hybrid to a whole new level! Called the 918 Spyder, this stunning ride can allegedly get 78 miles per gallon, do 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, and go 16 miles on electric charge alone!

Earth Hour on the 27 March 2010!!

2010-03-26T04:11:00.001-07:00

Dont forget to switch off your lights between 8:30-9:30pm on the 27 March for Earth Hour! Your light switch is your vote against global warming.

If your in Cape Town and feeling festive join us at Zula Bar on Long Street for Earth Hour this Saturday 27 March at 7pm. Live acoustic bands playing with Free Earth Hour t-shirts to the first 100 people through the door, and loads of prize-giveways up for grabs!

Thanks to all sponsors who have come on board in support of the event

My Saturday morning delight!

2010-03-13T07:31:00.000-08:00

I love markets. I love trendy "up-market" organic markets more. The Neighbour Market in Woodstock (Cape Town) embodies just this. The best part is that I didn't have to wake up super early this morning (as you usually do with other markets if you want in on the goodstuff). Opening at 9-2pm this market was my Saturday morning delight! Lets start with the food (oh the food!)... if you love fresh organic deli food- homemade pastries, freshly baked breads, quality cheeses, fine-wine, homemade jams, pestos and more, then you're in for a treat. With one long table to sit down and eat, there's a relaxed atmosphere lending itself to sharing food with friends, which is what I think markets are all about. And of course clothes, where you can find some good vintage buys. However don't expect "market" prices, as these designer clothes are not exactly "market" cheap. The average price for a blouse/ dress is around R450- but that being said you get what you pay for. The Vintage market is on Sundays.

An organic market wouldn't truly be organic without eco-friendly practices... The market has recycling depots and most of the stores are ethical and eco-friendly.

Community living at its best- this market exudes Cape Town living, and makes us rethink how we buy and consume by going directly to the source. Its one of my new favourite places!

YUM!

Visit neighbourhood market for more info

Green gowns at the Oscars

2010-03-08T06:36:00.000-08:00

Once again Livia Firth walked the red carpet with a gorgeous upcycled gown by Orsola de Castro. "Orsola is the queen of upcycling!" she tells Vogue. "So everything about the dress has been salvaged from the waste bins of some very prestigious labels, no less, so my dress will be made from waste but you’d never know. I’m also wearing ethical pink diamonds from Australia, by Cajella (on loan of course), and my bag has been made for me by Bruno at Roger Vivier from offcuts. It’s really beautiful.”

Suzy Amis (wife of James Cameron) wore this Avatar inspired blue-dyed sustainable "peace silk" gown.

Upcycling fun at New York Fashion week

2010-03-08T06:24:00.000-08:00

Eco-Designer JoAnn Berman put a fun twist on "upcycling" with her rocker chic, over-the-top playful line.

Ok I think we get the point!

“Greener Cities for a Cooler Planet”

2010-03-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

Global Green hosted the 7th Pre-annual Oscar party yesterday. The theme for this year’s event was “Greener Cities for a Cooler Planet” benefiting Global Green’s initiatives to promote smart solutions to climate change by creating healthy, green communities. Nice one!

Eco-celebs supporting the cause...

Love her outfit

Vision of the future?

2010-03-03T00:17:00.000-08:00

Vision of the future, or are we thinking too futuristically?

The National Ecological Institute of South Korea recently released plans for a $113 million large-scale nature reserve, complete with a series of these strange-looking eco domes, an education center, and an environmental think-tank... not sure what that is but it sounds "thought" provoking...:) Looks like all we need now are some Avatars...

"Diamonds are forever"

2010-02-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

I was recently invited to the De Beers Diamond route launch in Kimberley and what an experience it was- I got to go on a tour of the diamond route, a diamond mine tour, and a ghost tour! I snuck in a few art gallery visits too. Who knew Kimberley had so many stories to tell. The 2hour drive from Kimberley to Bloemfontein airport reminded me of the true natural beauty of South Africa.

It's so inspiring to see one of the largest diamond mining companies in the world take on their social responsibility and give back in a way so innovative that truly makes a difference. The Diamond route consists of 9 conservation and heritage sites across South Africa, owned by De Beers and the Oppenheimer family. These nature reserves are aimed at enhancing conservation effort by allowing researchers to work in them, and promoting environmental awareness.

I had a tour of Dronfield Nature Reserve which sure was action packed... boy did those white-rhinos get close to our vehicle... I love this country!

For more info on the diamond route visit diamondroute.co.za

The World's GREENEST club

2010-02-17T14:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, so we’re pretty sure that while dancing the night away to the sounds of "Jy dink jy is coole as ekke" the state of the planet is not really at the forefront of our thinking... Well heres people who ARE partying for the planet!

Stomp your feet to the funky beat without leaving a carbon footprint at the uba trendy Greenhouse, in Manhattan, New York. The concept is brilliant- Staying true to its name the club is completely energy efficient, certified by LE.E.D (leadership in energy and environmental design) with LED lit up dancefloors and bamboo finishes. Its trendy, eco-centric, and a hot spot among celebs.

And it sure does look like quite a vibe..

Hey look its Rihanna!

Greenhouse was voted "worlds best green club'... It sure gets our vote, BIG thumbs up!

"Man around South Africa"

2010-02-11T03:34:00.000-08:00

So I had one of those coach potato days yesterday and as I sat glued to the BBC lifestyle channel (one of my favourites) I came across a show called "Man around the globe". Here a guy from New York is assigned to a specific country in search of true authentic pieces. But heres the twist... these pieces have to be completely original and fresh, that New Yorkers have NEVER seen before. Country of choice for this episode: none other than beautiful South Africa! Now even though SA has TONS of local talent, this New Yorker was on the hunt for unusual, quirky, cutting edge design. Well, boy did he nail the brief and find just that...:)

True to form, South Africa gave this New Yorker a taste of true raw local talent at its best, proving to be at the forefront of innovation... Green innovation that is. So innovative in fact that Michelle Obama just had to have one of these pieces for her lounge in the white house!

Magpie has been making headways with their hi-low qirky "Bespoke" chandeliers made of recycled plastic bottles and barbie legs and "blomme" pompom- like lightshades.

The range is fun, colourful, ,socially-conscious and creatively- brilliant. Designed for those with a green conscious ness and good sense of humour- I absolutely love it!

Have a closer look...

Heres my all time favourite... this Blomme lightshade called "chicken bum".... haha

Design Indaba Expo Coming Soon

2010-02-06T03:54:00.000-08:00

The Design Indada kicking off on 26 to 28 February 2010 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre is said to be bigger, better and GREENER this year than ever before!

A premier showcase of high-end, homegrown design talent, the Design Indaba Expo is the only 100% South African celebration of our country’s best creative talent across all the creative industries – craft, product, industrial, fashion, film, animation, graphic, jewellery, publishing, ceramics, new media and architectural design.

“With all the excitement around the 2010 year, exhibitors have signed up enthusiastically and are optimistic about South Africa being in the world’s eye,” says Mike Purdham, manager of the Design Indaba Expo.

Some Eco-designs to look out for…

Reused lights... Philippe Bousquet showing off his new collection of lights, "After Dark". Based on the rules of no welding and no new materials (other than the bulb and wiring).

New made rubbish... I love Heath Nash’s creative innovations like these light shades made from plastic waste. And the fact that hes from the University of Cape Town, well I love him even more:)

For more info on the Design Indaba visit www.designindaba.com

Soccer Hottie Shaun Haschick on "Keeping it GREEN in the MAN-CAVE"

2010-01-31T04:15:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Soccer World cup in South Africa kicks off in just a few months and we're saying "Roll on the Fifa fever!!" I caught up with one of SA's soccer player's Shaun Haschick of Moroko Swallows to get an inside scoop on whether those soccer boots where made for greening! Heres what our Sporty Eco- hottie had to say...

1) What does being "Green" mean to you?

To me being "Green" means being conscience about the environment and the impact that your actions will have in ensuring its preservation for future generations.

2) What are some of the things your doing to be more eco-conscious? Any advice for keeping it green in the MAN-CAVE (bachelor pad)??

I try focus on the little things because if everyone did so it would make a huge difference collectively. Tasks such as simple recycling, switching off lights or appliances that are not in use to save energy, turning off taps to save water instead of letting them run while busy with other things. Like I said, its the little things that count more than you think.

I couldnt agree more!

3) How important is living a healthy, balanced lifestyle to you?
As a professional athlete its very important to me to live a healthy well balanced lifestyle as my career depends on it. Eating well and keeping the body well hydrated is very important, though its equally important to find balance in all aspects such as mentally and spiritually.

4) With the Soccer world cup only months away (YAY!!), What does this mean for South Africa?
The effects of the World Cup 2010 will be felt long after the tournament has ended. It will create sustainable employment and improved infrastructure for the citizens of this wonderful country that otherwise might not have happened. The competition will last for a month, but the benefits will be felt for decades to come.

5) What qualities do you look for in an Eco-babe?
I look for a beautiful smile and an attitude of positivity.

Did you hear that ladies...:)

6) We’re on the verge of starting our new campaign "SA’s UNDRESS UNION". Don’t be scared, we’d like you to sign our petition …to FUR-get or Regret. The million dollar ‘Q’... Would you rather go naked than wear fur?

Naked for sure. Ive see too many incidents on TV showing senseless cruelty to animals. The annual Seal hunt in Canada and surrounding countries stands out for me as something particular sad after seeing the brutality that goes along with it.

7) And lastly, what’s your favourite shoe brand (or soccer boot for that matter). We’re all about the shoes☺

When it comes to my shoes, comfort is way more important to me than brand and price, but I don't mind paying for it. I like my Puma and Adidas sneakers while for football... Adidas is my choice.

Thanks Shaun! Keep making us proud on the field!

Women paving the way forward in Green design

2010-01-28T18:14:00.000-08:00

Greenissexy.org caught up with green building and LEED consultant Lauren Gropper to learn about green building, her super cool entourage and why “shift” is more than a key on your keyboard

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Vancouver, Canada.

How did growing up in Vancouver influence your greenness?

Vancouver is a super green city and the natural environment is very much a part of the city itself, so I definitely developed an appreciation for all things green early on.

What made you want to pursue Environmental Planning and Design?

I was always interested in cities, the way they’re designed, and the ways in which we relate to our environment. I had also studied geography and environmental studies in college. So, pursuing sustainable design was a great way to combine my love of design and the built environment with sustainability.

You have a Masters of Science in Environmental Planning and Design. What is that, exactly?

Good question!! It’s basically the study of sustainable urban planning and the design of more sustainable environments, beyond the building scale.

Tell us about your latest project, SHFT:

I just launched an environmental media platform called SHFT with Adrian Grenier and Peter Glatzer. We offer original video series, curated shopping, and a host of resources that speak to a modern, inspirational, sustainable lifestyle.

What drew you to the new project?

I’ve been working with Adrian and Peter for several years, and it was something that we developed together after they approached me with the concept.

What is the easiest and most affordable thing everyone can do in their own home to make it greener?

I know this sounds very boring and cliche, but turning off your lights when you leave the room and switching out your incancesdents for CFCs or LEDs is a great start.

In addition to consulting on green building projects, you also consult on various television shows….

A few years ago I hosted and consulted on a green show for HGTV in Toronto, and shortly after that I was a consulting producer on a show for Discovery’s Green channel called “Alter Eco” – which was created by Adrian Grenier and Peter Glatzer, my business partners in SHFT.

You work in both New York and Los Angeles. Is it easier to be green on the East or the West coast?

You have such hard questions!! They both have their advantages and disadvantages. LA is great for fresh, local, and organic food and NY is amazing because of accessibility and an incredible public transit system, though the green attitude is definitely present in both places, and growing.

What’s next for you?

I’ve also recently launched a line of compostable cups and cutlery made from plants called Repurpose. All of our products can be composted in 90 days.

Do you have an eco-indulgence?

Long showers!

For more info on Lauren check out her website

Avatar a must see

2010-01-28T16:37:00.000-08:00

James Cameron’s Avatar is without a doubt the most epic piece of environmental advocacy ever captured on celluloid, and it only very thinly veils its message which, on the heels of a failed Copenhagen summit, is more timely now than ever … Nature will always win.

The film hits all the important environmental talking-points — virgin rain forests threatened by wanton exploitation, indigenous peoples who have much to teach the developed world, a planet which functions as a collective, interconnected Gaia-istic organism, and evil corporate interests that are trying to destroy it all.

Fur? I'd rather go naked

2010-01-28T12:01:00.000-08:00

Would you rather go naked than wear fur?

Heres some celebs who would...

Loving Mr Larkin

2010-01-26T05:56:00.000-08:00

I love Mr Larkin, a line created by young female designer Casey Larkin with completely sustainable fabrics and vintage pieces. Larkin's Spring/Summer collection is made from wait for it, wait for it... milk fabric! (You heard me) and other natural fibres such as cupro and peace silk. How eco-fabulous:)

"Who cares if people call you a hippy?" says Chloë Sevigny

2010-01-26T05:40:00.000-08:00

Chloë Sevigny, winner for Best Supporting Actress/Television at the recent Golden Globes did an interview with EcoStiletto.com on green and embracing our inner hippy...

ES: When did you first become aware of the green movement?

CS: Probably the first Earth Day, whenever that was. My mom was always very environmentally conscious. I’d have to say being green was instilled in me before I even knew what it meant. We recycled, composted, used cloth rags and many other thing when I was just a child.

ES: What kinds of green changes have you made or do you plan to make in your life?

CS: I have made so many, I think the best thing to do is list them:

Unplugging chargers.
Hang-drying clothes.
Bringing my own mug and jugs of water that I fill at home to the set. (This
habit has inspired many a co-star).
Recycling everything possible including clothes and bric-a-brac.
Trying to consume less.
Buy less junk in my day-to-day life.
Never using plastic bags; I always bring my own, whether shopping for
clothes or groceries
Eating less meat.
Changing to energy-efficient bulbs.
Buying organic.
Taking public transportation: Even if people bug me on the train, it’s much faster anyway.

ES: What are a few of your favorite green Beauty or Lifestyle products? Green fashion designers or labels? How about stores or websites?

CS: Ecover diswashing and laundry detergents, earth-friendly products, anything you can buy at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s or your local health food store. I also love the beauty products with essential oils, they are a great bargain and smell great.

ES: What’s your favorite eco-friendly tip our readers should know about?

CS: Being eco-friendly makes you feel good about yourself. Who cares if people call you a hippy.

I Love it:)

Check out Ecostiletto for more Eco-celebrities

"Forgive them of what they do not know..."

2010-01-26T02:42:00.000-08:00

Jessica Alba spotted at sundance wearing well um this ...

"Magnificently WRONG"